Tidepool Trail

The Tidepool Trail

Overview:

What could be better than a day chasing the flora & fauna that abounds in the pools left behind by the tide? Starfish, crab, hermit crabs, snails, sea anemone, and much more await the stealthy stalker, as well as a short tour of our section of the Coast and some darn fine eats along the way!

Breakfast:

Let’s start off with breakfast at Irish’s Mooring Café, right across the street from the Harborview. Whether it’s fresh pastries & coffee or a delicious home-made corned beef hash, they are a great way to begin your day.

A few words of warning:

Remember the tide will come back in and you can get stranded quickly.

Waves are unpredictable! Please, use caution when turning your back to the ocean.

Wet algae-covered rocks are extremely slippery. Watch your step!

Regulations for collecting marine animals may change from time to time. Consult the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Sport Fishing Regulations for the most current information.

Be kind: Although the animals may seem to be very rugged, many are sensitive to disturbance so if you pick anything up, please put it back how you found it.

Now, we’ll run North on Hwy 101 less than 2 miles to Barview. Turn left at the Barview Jetty Store and go straight over the railroad tracks for about 150 yards to a small parking area. Just inside the jetty is a large area of tide pools that are easy to get to and teeming with life.

Next, we’ll go back to Hwy 101 and head North some more. About half an hour up the Coast you’ll come to Oswald West State Park. It’s a short hike of under a mile in to the beautiful secluded beach. These tidepools are known for the abundance of colorful starfish.

Lunch:

Having worked up an appetite by now, go just 10 miles North on 101 to Cannon Beach for a fabulous lunch at the Lazy Susan Café. Turn off 101 on Sunset Blvd., turn right onto Hemlock and it’s downtown across from the Coaster Theater. Bring cash because that’s all they accept. Try the gingerbread waffles, great anytime of the day.

After lunch, we’re heading North again just under a mile to Ecola State Park. For a $5 daily use fee, you’ll gain access to Indian Beach, some of the best tide pools on the Oregon Coast. You can also hike the Clatsop Loop Trail, walking in the footsteps of Capt. William Clark.

Dinner:

After enjoying a leisurely drive back South on Hwy 101, you’ll stop in at the Tsunami Bar & Grill in Wheeler located right down on the water’s edge. Great service, cool views of Nehalem Bay. Where else are you going to see chicken wings and Korean short ribs on the same menu?

By this time, you’re just 18 minutes from home. Head on back to the Harborview for a good night’s rest before taking on another adventure the next day.

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